Married a Thai Man and Thinking of Retiring in Thailand
We're both in our 50s. I'm within 10 years of retirement. He has a green card but wants to go for US Citizenship. Won't affect his Thai citizenship.
I speak a bit of Thai and by 66, I will be rather good at it. Healthcare (Thailand has some outstanding healthcare) but it's like pre-ACA, lots of exclusions, and pre-existing conditions for foreigners. After 70 it's almost impossible to get health insurance (as of now).
They don't recognize gay marriage. So in Thailand, we're not married but under U.S. law we are (for the moment at least).
Taxes. Still obligated to pay taxes, though in retirement we won't come close to 103,000.
I'll be an immigrant. It doesn't bother me. Can't own land but can own the building on the land. So he would own the land and we would build and own the house.
Not even considering Bangkok but maybe north. Been there 3 times. Don't like the south, too hot. Don't like the middle, too boring. Don't like Bangkok, way to fucking crowded.
It would be near his family, so as we age, we'll have lots of family to help.
What do you think?
by Anonymous | reply 118 | May 27, 2020 1:59 PM
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I would worry about if he dies and your left with his family. Will they treat you well?
by Anonymous | reply 1 | May 2, 2020 1:49 AM
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Well, that would be a risk like it would be here. Here, there is no "family". They're all dead. so he'd be alone with no support from family.
by Anonymous | reply 3 | May 2, 2020 1:51 AM
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Don't do it, OP. If he predeceases you there is no guarantee you will inherit his estate or retain any shared assets. The "loving family" will see to that. Don't be a fool. Stay stateside. Please.
by Anonymous | reply 5 | May 2, 2020 2:23 AM
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beyond naive, good luck on this adventure
by Anonymous | reply 6 | May 2, 2020 2:32 AM
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Beware the Thais that bind.
by Anonymous | reply 7 | May 2, 2020 2:42 AM
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Worked in thailand for 15 years, lived there full time for some of them. Does he want to go back? Compared to other nationalities, relatively few Thais stay for citizenship----does he want to live there? Coming here and being with a foreigner buys freedom----no pesky in-laws, less day to day family responsibility. Have seen this over and over again in straight couples and I would guess it would be somewhat similar in gay couples. Also, Thailand is a very closed society---real friendships take a long time to achieve and that's true among the Thai, as well. Family, even if it's fractured always take precedence. How well do you know his family, how much are you really integrated with them. I wouldn't assume anything unless, you really have long-term bonds with them.
You'll find that expat circles can get a bit suffocating---the old timers tend to stick more together, and that includes mixed couples. I've known a number of gay old timers in Chiang Mai in the past.
The North is a big place. Chiang Mai still has a charming center but much it is horrendous to drive. Outside of Chiang Rai (a much lesss interesting place), you won't find a lot of farang elsewhere in the North. Places like Lampang or Phitsanoluk will lose their luster quickly. Charming little towns like Nan will seem a bit isolated.
Thai is not an easy language to learn. I had to learn how to read it because I did not pick up the tones easily. Lots of people get lazy unless they need to use the language a lot.
Health care is much better in Bangkok than elsewhere. The established medical schools are there. Chiang Mai has an ok medical school, but Bangkok has many more options, esp. for expat care.
You can't own land, but you can own a condo. A lot prime property actually is on long leases, rather than owned by Thai.
Your post is about you, not the two of you, and not much about your partner. To me, that's a bad sign. Incidentally, I've considered retiring, at least for awhile in Thailand. I've mostly decided against---I just don't know as many people as I once did.
by Anonymous | reply 8 | May 2, 2020 3:37 AM
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[quote]Beware the Thais that bind.
Bind books?
Bind textbooks?
Bind USED textbooks??
Don’t say you weren’t warned, OP.
by Anonymous | reply 9 | May 2, 2020 3:40 AM
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Does he love you long time?
by Anonymous | reply 10 | May 2, 2020 3:47 AM
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I am in the exact same situation as the OP except my partner is from Cambodia and we are planning on moving over much, much sooner. We actually were hoping to get the ball rolling in March and then Covid 19 appeared. We will wait until things settle down. I have lived in both Cambodia and Thailand before and can say if you do not like heat neither places are a good fit for you. My plan is to buy and keep a small place here in the USA to go back to if needed. If I had more family connections here I wouldn't bother but I don't. There are tons of westerners retired in Thailand. Medical care is good in Bangkok but lacking elsewhere. No need to worry OP. It is an easy life there.
by Anonymous | reply 11 | May 2, 2020 4:47 AM
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R8 & R11
Moving is my idea. He is now introduce the idea of being a US citizen I’m thinking maybe staying in the United States would be better. I make good money now but when I retire it’ll be half that. We have to move to a smaller area, like Gettysburg to live it’s cheaper and just as nice.He is now introduced the idea of being a US citizen and thinking maybe staying in the United States would be better. I make good money now but when I retire it’ll be half that. We have to move to a smaller area, like Gettysburg to live it’s cheaper and just as nice.
I understand healthcare is outstanding, it’s access to healthcare and becomes problematic when i get older in Thailand. I know I can’t on land but that is the case in a lot of countries. You can do a long-term lease of the land and basically tied up for 50 years and it’s rigidly enforced by the court systems.
We’re saving up for an out right purchase of land and the money to build a house the way we want it. I’m asking and black mask black mask came in so I will give your sister a few.
by Anonymous | reply 12 | May 2, 2020 10:39 AM
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Many expats living in Pattaya
by Anonymous | reply 13 | May 2, 2020 10:48 AM
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[quote]I’m asking and black mask black mask came in so I will give your sister a few.
Step away from the Thai Koh Samui, OP.
by Anonymous | reply 14 | May 2, 2020 10:48 AM
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I wouldn't call the health care "outstanding". On the one hand, specialists usually have done their specialty training in the US or UK and often are board certified. OTOH, there isn't a culture of continuing education in the professions and new procedures or medications often lag in reaching Thailand. It's not a culture where even educated people read alot and its not one that reinforces intellectual curiosity. The research infrastructure is good but really relies on foreign collaborators to things done. And things really fall off once you leave Bangkok. The rural health system is very understaffed and does best with things like basic public health---childhood immunization, distributing birth control , that kind of thing.
by Anonymous | reply 15 | May 2, 2020 11:38 AM
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Pattaya is a dirty shithole. No idea why people want to live there besides the sex. The beaches are dirty and the sea is incredibly polluted. All the islands are corrupt and run by gangs or corrupt families. From what I've heard OP, prepare to support your husband and his extended family for the rest of your life. I met lots of old expats who lived in hostels after the Thai family kicked them out when the money was gone or their health deteriorated.
by Anonymous | reply 16 | May 2, 2020 12:30 PM
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I would totally move to Thailand, and I envy that you have the opportunity to do so.
by Anonymous | reply 17 | May 2, 2020 3:25 PM
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I’d build a new house there.
Offsite Linkby Anonymous | reply 19 | May 2, 2020 3:30 PM
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Just get a chip implanted under your skin somewhere before you go so your body can be found in case, well, you know.
by Anonymous | reply 20 | May 2, 2020 4:03 PM
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The mark of a good place in Thailand is one that doesn't have depressed looking fat old European (usually Dutch or German) men. Pattaya is not one of those places. Neither is Phuket.
by Anonymous | reply 21 | May 2, 2020 4:13 PM
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It is very easy to live in Thailand with little money. I could have a very nice life there for less than a grand a month. A retirement visa is available if you are over the age of 50 and put about 23,000. dollars in the bank. health care costs are no where as expensive as the USA but I have a friend living in Bangkok and he now travels to Saigon for healthcare being he has been priced out of Thailand's healthcare.
by Anonymous | reply 22 | May 2, 2020 6:05 PM
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I live on approx. $6k a month retirement income in the US and feel just about middle class.
I imagine I would live well in Thailand or in Saigon. I might just go there for 2 months to give it a try and then make plans if it all goes well.
Anyone know a good neighborhood to find a short term rental? One other requirement, I am still a slut and would want to be near to some rent boys (over 21) for some safe sex from time to time. How much should that be budgeted for?
by Anonymous | reply 23 | May 2, 2020 9:29 PM
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Healthcare in Vietnam---problematic. You get a medical degree in Vietnam with 4 years of college.
by Anonymous | reply 24 | May 2, 2020 10:44 PM
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Pattaya or Phuket ? Which is better ?
by Anonymous | reply 26 | May 2, 2020 10:56 PM
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The beach much prettier in Phuket.
by Anonymous | reply 27 | May 2, 2020 10:59 PM
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OP, I bet you are hoping to get some young cock on the side. That is the real reason you want to live there, right?
by Anonymous | reply 28 | May 2, 2020 11:08 PM
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If the price is reasonable for young cock, why not?
by Anonymous | reply 29 | May 2, 2020 11:31 PM
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Happily married. The move to northern Thailand will be to retire and live the rest of our remaining years away from high stress environment.
by Anonymous | reply 30 | May 4, 2020 1:09 AM
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Malaria. Stay in the states. The family will be looking to shake you down, and your ladyboy will go with it.
by Anonymous | reply 31 | May 4, 2020 1:35 AM
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I'm sorry OP but every story I've heard about expats marrying Thais and living in Thailand involves the extended Thai family constantly asking for money. It's just the way it is. You have money, they need it. It's not even because you are a foreigner, a "wealthy" Thai would have the same issue. Wealthy in this case just means anyone who appears to have more money.
Have you read the ThaiVisa forum at The Nation website? Lots of information there. And lots of sneery beery old expats.
by Anonymous | reply 32 | May 4, 2020 2:45 AM
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Great information, r8. I lived in Phitsanoluk for a number of years and loved it, but the slackness of 'getting things done' could drive you mad, I swear!
r15 I had brilliant medical treatment in Thailand, but I'm not sure how good a hospital in a smaller town would be if you needed specialised treatment.
I say go for it OP, but I'd go to the north.
by Anonymous | reply 33 | May 4, 2020 2:55 AM
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Don't do it, OP. When you get divorced, because you will, the laws will be more favorable for you in the U.S.
by Anonymous | reply 34 | May 4, 2020 3:10 AM
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If by north you mean Chiang Mai, I agree it's a great place but you still have the heat of the hot season with temps over 100°F and the fires on top of that. Just recently they nearly spread to Doi Suthep.
by Anonymous | reply 35 | May 4, 2020 1:36 PM
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R23, thinking Chaing Mai or Chaing Rai
R34. Life is a risk. You can never succeed if you don’t leave the bubble and try.
I agree with you.
by Anonymous | reply 36 | May 5, 2020 1:54 AM
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I would live part of the year in Thailand.
by Anonymous | reply 37 | May 5, 2020 2:01 AM
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You can start a gay community with Princess Tom.
by Anonymous | reply 38 | May 5, 2020 3:56 AM
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OP, it sounds like Thailand is rotting even faster than America. It seems horrific.
Offsite Linkby Anonymous | reply 42 | May 5, 2020 6:35 AM
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Life in Thailand: An expat couple on relocating to the ‘Land of Smiles’
Offsite Linkby Anonymous | reply 44 | May 5, 2020 6:39 AM
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The junta won’t play fair.
Offsite Linkby Anonymous | reply 45 | May 5, 2020 6:44 AM
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[post redacted because linking to dailymail.co.uk clearly indicates that the poster is either a troll or an idiot (probably both, honestly.) Our advice is that you just ignore this poster but whatever you do, don't click on any link to this putrid rag.]
Offsite Linkby Anonymous | reply 47 | May 5, 2020 7:01 AM
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Caveat emptor: his family will bleed and leech you dry, especially those leeches from the North or the Northeast.
The best place to live is still Bangkok no matter what other expats will say: corruption is less rampant, people are less shitholish and less nosy, goods and food are generally cheaper, government agencies are here, more choices on human and vet hospitals, most service centers are here, etc.
Even though Thailand doesn't recognizes gay marriage, you can still do gay civil union and have a legally binding living will. Hospitals don't care about visitation rights. And if you are still employed at 70 and your employer registers you as a full-time employee, you are required by law to buy government-subsidized health insurance.
Yes, a farang can buy house and lease a plot land on which the house is built. It's normally a 30-year rolling lease and you can do it up to 90 years. Thailand is not a bad country if you hook up with right people and don't bad-mouth some certain higher people.
by Anonymous | reply 48 | May 5, 2020 7:52 AM
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I am US born (white) and my soon to be husband is Dominican born but a US citizen.
I wonder how we would fare in Thailand since we don't have any ethnic ties but do want a low cost of living country to reside in. Neither of us want to consider the Dom. Republic.
by Anonymous | reply 49 | May 5, 2020 11:50 AM
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OP, your Thai husband is in his 50's? I've never heard of a Westerner being with a Thai over 20. You'll stand out like a sore thumb.
by Anonymous | reply 50 | May 5, 2020 12:05 PM
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I’ve visited there and I won’t go back. The humidity is dreadful.
by Anonymous | reply 51 | May 5, 2020 12:18 PM
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Thailand still seems to draw the naive. It's a tough country socially because social circles are closed despite outward friendliness (it's a bit like places in the South, in that way). There is a lot of racism among Thais and among the regional populations, esp. directed at the darker folks from the South and Northeast), so I think a Dominican isn't going to feel comfortable there. Given that a lot of expats (though not the majority) are rice queens or their straight counterparts, you'll meet a lot of other deluded idiots complaining about their boy/girlfriends and the bf/gf families. It's a lovely country, though not as cheap as it used to be. The real heyday for foreigners was probably post-VN War into the 90s.
by Anonymous | reply 52 | May 5, 2020 1:15 PM
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Like someone above said, he and his family are going to bleed and leech you dry. Are you crazy? Stay put. Go on a two week vacation there once or twice a year and get it out of your system, leaving your checkbook at home. Get a wellness check. You're about to be conned. You need your head examined.
by Anonymous | reply 53 | May 5, 2020 8:52 PM
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OP, I caution anyone who wants to change countries who doesn't sound convincingly in love with the idea of living in a specific country.
When the primary impetus is to leave your old country, or to be in any new country or the one that's easiest or cheapest, it doesn't seem a recipe for success.
You don't sound too excited about Thailand, nor your partner. The appeal seems to be that it's a cheap place to live, and that doesn't sound too compelling.
by Anonymous | reply 54 | May 5, 2020 9:40 PM
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The husband wanting to become a citizen makes me think it isn't a family sucking money situation, but a situation from which the husband would rather be separated. I think two weeks a year in the cool season with a brief family visit makes more sense if that's the case.
by Anonymous | reply 55 | May 6, 2020 2:28 AM
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The only reason I can think of going to Thailand is to see the cutest Thai model/actor of all time, Singto Prachaya!
Offsite Linkby Anonymous | reply 56 | May 6, 2020 3:02 AM
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Did he marry for money? Is he younger?
by Anonymous | reply 57 | May 6, 2020 3:05 AM
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Lady boy.... I wanted a lazy boy!
by Anonymous | reply 58 | May 6, 2020 3:05 AM
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Well, one thing I learned in my years of living in SE Asia is that the locals or their families can ask for money and I can always say no. Only the very naive end up taking care of the entire family.
by Anonymous | reply 59 | May 6, 2020 3:13 AM
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Why does Thailand have so many cute guys?
by Anonymous | reply 60 | May 7, 2020 1:59 AM
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Good for you, OP. Do what you feel right to do. Good luck with everything!
by Anonymous | reply 61 | May 7, 2020 2:02 AM
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Ladyboy and her family when OP moves to Thailand....
Offsite Linkby Anonymous | reply 62 | May 7, 2020 4:05 AM
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My Thai husband Is 51 years old.
His family are all professionals and have their own lives and homes and families. They don’t need our money.
I am thinking about moving due to cost of living. We make about 167k now but when I retire, we’ll make 1/2 that. We’ll live better in Thailand than the US.
I won’t and I’m not interested in moving to Bangkok. I don’t want to city life, I want to plot of land with some elbow room a nice house and fuck with my garden all day.
Most of you are thinking of the Thailand of 20, 30, or 40 years ago.
Health insurance is an issue as they have no laws protecting against Pre-existing conditions for foreigners. For Thai, they have a national healthcare program. His family says it good. Not the best but good.
No ladyboys. No twinks. No nothing on the side. I know this sounds strange and alien as this may sound to some of you, we actually are in love with each other and are best friends too.
For me it’s time to start thinking and planning for retirement. 10 years goes by awful fast.
by Anonymous | reply 63 | May 7, 2020 5:16 PM
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Yes, people on DL have such strange ideas about developing countries. They have no idea a large middle and upper class exists in such places. They believe everyone is living in huts. Go back and read some of the India threads. I can't believe such ignorance exists.
OP, what is it you are looking for in posing your question here? Can you tell us a little more?
by Anonymous | reply 64 | May 7, 2020 6:59 PM
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And a new entry in the ‘famous last words’ category: His family are all professionals and have their own lives and homes and families. They don’t need our money.
by Anonymous | reply 65 | May 7, 2020 8:50 PM
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Why not country-adjacent - I loved Vietnam and Cambodia a lot more than Thailand. They're considerably less expensive and more open to foreigners. Plus, Vietnamese food is better than Thai food.
English is becoming much more widely spoken in Vietnam due to tourism.
by Anonymous | reply 67 | May 7, 2020 9:39 PM
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R67 sorry, but the guys are much hotter in Thailand.
by Anonymous | reply 68 | May 8, 2020 2:15 AM
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R67. Vietnam is a communist country and you cannot permanently retire there. They don’t have the mechanisms or systems for permanent residency as Thailand does.
R64. I’m confused, what more do you need? I’ve gotten lots of opinions from lots of different places to include expats in Thailand as well as state department consular officers I know. Just looking to broaden my horizon on opinions.
It’s a big decision.
by Anonymous | reply 69 | May 8, 2020 3:29 AM
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Not such a big decision really because you can always move back. I suspect about half the expats in Thailand flunk out and go home within the first year.
For more information try the forum at Thaivisa.com They are a great source of information and misinformation.
by Anonymous | reply 70 | May 8, 2020 3:35 AM
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Op needs a wellness check. He might be slipping.
Ladyboy's family will leave you broke in no time.
Offsite Linkby Anonymous | reply 71 | May 8, 2020 3:38 AM
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R67 - it's not 'communist' communist. And yes you can retire there - look it up. You'll probably have to do a Visa run, but many people do that - e.g. Americans who retire in Mexico.
Considering how often you'll probably be going to Thailand, you would have no problems with having to do out of country visits to renew your visa.
It's an option. I have a friend who retired there several years ago and he absolutely loves it.
by Anonymous | reply 72 | May 8, 2020 4:55 PM
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I started watching this silly gay Thai tv show on YouTube called 2gether, and I have to say, Thai men are hot. A lot of wildly divergent phenotypes there.
by Anonymous | reply 73 | May 8, 2020 5:49 PM
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The woman who cuts my hair is Thai. Previously she talked a lot about retiring back to Thailand where she owns a condo - but right now she says that the government is terrible with lots of arbitrary jailing of dissidents and torture in prisons. What little social safety net was in place has been dismantled and corruption is extreme. The previous king was more benevolent (even though everyone apparently knows that the military has always run the country) but the current one is a disaster. My haircutter is staying put in the US for the time being. I'd delay your retirement for a few years to see what the political situation in Thailand evolves to.
by Anonymous | reply 74 | May 8, 2020 6:19 PM
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R67, you're a moron. Vietnam is a one-party state and a communist country like China, also a 1 party state.
A foreigner can get a 1 or 3 month, single or multiple entry visa to visit, and can then reapply and re-enter as the visa expires, however, Vietnam does not have a visa retirement program for foreigners.
Now, let me say that again, U.S passport holders are granted 1-year multiple-entry tourist visa, the maximum duration for each visit is 90 days. It means that you can't stay in Vietnam for more than 3 months at a time, and have to leave the country and return for another 3 months of stay. THAT IS NOT RETIREMENT, THAT'S HIDING.
As for medical, is still hit or miss. Better chance in the big city and better have insurance as it can be expensive.
by Anonymous | reply 75 | May 8, 2020 7:09 PM
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These days Thailand's political situation is just as restrictive as Viet Nam's and the one in Laos but they just are not calling it communism. Thailand continues to muzzle any party contrary to the one they presently have. I do see any real difference between the two countries.
by Anonymous | reply 77 | May 8, 2020 8:15 PM
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I agree only mildly. There is press freedom (though Somewhat limited). There is none in Laos or Vietnam. Multiple parties in Thailand, only one In Laos, only 1 in Vietnam. Thailand is struggling to leave a military Junta, The Philippines is entering a dictatorship.
Just say’n
by Anonymous | reply 78 | May 9, 2020 1:03 AM
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If there is so much press freedom in Thailand try writing about something that goes against the deranged king who is propped up by the military government. Any government elected by the people is usually overthrown by a coup shortly after. But as an expat and a foreigner it hardly matters if there is a free press or not. Life in Thailand and Viet Nam are pretty much the same. By being so concerned by such things I suspect you are a very poor candidate for the expat life. Nothing goes as planned there and you seem to be a planner. Look elsewhere would be my suggestion.
by Anonymous | reply 79 | May 9, 2020 1:39 AM
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Is it safe to even visit Thailand, much less live there? I heard you can be thrown in jail for just speaking negatively about the royal family.
by Anonymous | reply 80 | May 9, 2020 1:49 AM
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It is safe as long as you don't say anything against the royals. There seems to be a bit of a shift now being I am hearing negative things being said about the newest king.
by Anonymous | reply 81 | May 9, 2020 1:52 AM
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Yes there’s a law you cannot see anything negative about the king or put your feet on money with the image of a king.
I don’t feel like howling at the moon so I don’t care with the king of Thailand does. Type people are generally friendly and happy.
I’ve been to Vietnam they also seem happy. Sometimes happiness has nothing to do with your ability to bitch about your government.
I’ve been to Laos and I’m not a fan.
Since husband is Thai, it’s there or Washington State for retirement.
by Anonymous | reply 82 | May 9, 2020 2:04 AM
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OP - go fuck off. There are many Americans who have retired to Vietnam and yes, I already mentioned the 3 month visa issue that most people get around easily.
You don't want advice - you want publicly write out your pros and cons and smack down anybody who says anything against moving to Thailand or provide you cautions or other options.
by Anonymous | reply 83 | May 9, 2020 2:32 PM
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Thailand has hot guys, Vietnam isn't even in the running!
by Anonymous | reply 84 | May 9, 2020 7:09 PM
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Only dirty OLD white dudes think Thai twinks are hot. They want to fuck underage boys.
by Anonymous | reply 85 | May 9, 2020 7:47 PM
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Is R47 typical of a hot Thai guy?
by Anonymous | reply 86 | May 10, 2020 7:13 AM
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R83 is pissed off because a simple Google search proves he is a moron.
by Anonymous | reply 87 | May 10, 2020 5:08 PM
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Here is a super cute Thai guy, Singto, age 25, not a twink. Very popular in Thailand and Asia!
Offsite Linkby Anonymous | reply 88 | May 10, 2020 7:50 PM
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Like you, op, I want to retire to Asia but instead to the Philippines (husband is Filipino). Same restrictions on property ownership, gay rights, et cet.
He grew up near Manila but loves “the province” where it’s less developed like in Visaya.
COVID and the Duterte admin’s response has really put the kibosh on my wanderlust for it, though. Granted the commies in our home city here in the US might keep this up longer though not as harshly.
The biggest concern is my husband is HIV+ and Philippines has shit meds there.
by Anonymous | reply 89 | May 10, 2020 8:06 PM
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R89. Interesting. We talked about the Philippines. I'm concerned that as they slip into full dictatorship, there will be chaos nationwide. But it is a beautiful place
by Anonymous | reply 90 | May 10, 2020 8:22 PM
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I dunno if a full dictatorship/martial law (pray it doesn’t happen) would be any worse than Thailand and their military/monarchy, to be fair. My husband lived through Marcos.
Money talks (of course this is all relative but you know how the stereotype is that white = rich) and if our spouses are dual citizens there’s a different set of rules.
by Anonymous | reply 91 | May 10, 2020 10:22 PM
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I want a ladyboy.... How much money in retirement will I need?
by Anonymous | reply 92 | May 10, 2020 10:47 PM
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I don’t know R92, will he be the top?
by Anonymous | reply 93 | May 11, 2020 1:26 AM
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R92. Your entire life savings.
by Anonymous | reply 94 | May 11, 2020 6:10 AM
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How much of a R46/R47?💦💦💦🔥🔥🔥
by Anonymous | reply 95 | May 11, 2020 6:27 AM
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My cousin said that his parents bought property in Vietnam and were allowed to get citizenship as a result. They are retired now in Vietnam.
I did a tour of Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand last Christmas. I have to disagree with some of the posters. Thai guys are not that attractive. A lot of them have large, flat faces.
Cambodian guys are more handsome, and Vietnamese guys are sexier than Thais.
by Anonymous | reply 97 | May 11, 2020 9:02 AM
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R97, are your parents Vietnamese?
All peoples have ugly, fat, thin, old, young, handsome, hot, cute, and sex-on-a-stick.
by Anonymous | reply 98 | May 11, 2020 11:01 AM
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I work and live in Hanoi and have visited Thailand often. Here’s my 2 cents: Thai guys are better looking but more mercenary. Which is to say more mercenaries than Vietnamese. They know the game. An Indian friend called Thais business friends- they are friends only if they benefit in some way.
by Anonymous | reply 99 | May 11, 2020 1:20 PM
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R99 Given the history of young men and women in Thailand and the western older men looking for young stuff. I can understand.
by Anonymous | reply 100 | May 11, 2020 8:07 PM
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Americans are “business” friends too. Especially gay ones.
by Anonymous | reply 101 | May 11, 2020 9:14 PM
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Pretty good Bangkok news site from expats.
Offsite Linkby Anonymous | reply 103 | May 16, 2020 3:16 AM
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it is really hard to maintain your own home or assets overseas. People who do this successfully are getting all of this through their work. This includes independent property/asset insurance and evacuation insurance. US government does not offer this anymore for expats, or even government employees. It's a bad time.
IF you have not lived there, do not do it. Living in a developing country and a different culture is not for everyone. There is a high failure rate among people who are relocating for work.
by Anonymous | reply 105 | May 16, 2020 3:35 AM
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Op, is this guy famous in Thailand?
Offsite Linkby Anonymous | reply 106 | May 16, 2020 5:48 PM
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R105. Thanks.
Thailand is not a developing country. It is a developed country. But there are some things that the United States has, as well as in western nations, that the Thailand does not, drinkable water for one. They have a national healthcare system but it’s for Thais only. But then again in the United States we have the same set of problems with social systems and healthcare for illegals or legal immigrants who don’t have Social Security numbers.
You made good points thanks.
by Anonymous | reply 107 | May 17, 2020 11:46 AM
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[quote] Thailand is not a developing country. It is a developed country
You have much to learn. It’s still very much developing country. IMF, OECD DAC.
Middle income trap. It’s population is aging, without having become wealthy beforehand (e.g., Japan, South Korea, Taiwan): it’s too late to escape. It will remain outside the collection of developed nations.
Its economy is hopelessly incapable of moving up to the top tier the value chain. It assembles things for other countries’ national champions, while lacking its own that are capable of competing globally, largely due to its failure to move from import substitution to an export orientation.
Offsite Linkby Anonymous | reply 108 | May 17, 2020 4:00 PM
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Trapped.
“Thailand Has a Developing Economy and a Big First World Problem”
By Margo Towie, Jason Clenfield and Hannah Dormido
July 25, 2019, 12:00 PM
Offsite Linkby Anonymous | reply 109 | May 17, 2020 4:03 PM
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... The Thai economy seemed sickly even before the new coronavirus emerged. It grew by just 2.4% last year, the slowest pace since 2014. This year it seems sure to shrink. Growth has been disappointing for more than a decade. From 2009 to 2019, Thailand’s growth rate (3.6% on average) lagged behind poorer neighbours like Vietnam (6.5%) and the Philippines (6.3%), and even richer ones such as Malaysia (5.3%). A small number of huge firms, family-owned businesses and state-owned enterprises dominate the economy. They face little pressure from competitors to innovate.
The poverty rate has stagnated for the past few years, having fallen dramatically in the decades before (see chart). **********About a tenth of the population lives on less than $2.85 a day.********* Average household consumption declined in 2017-18, while household debt stands at about 80% of gdp, one of the highest ratios in Asia. About a third of the labour force still works in agriculture, which is plagued by inefficiency. Thailand’s most severe drought in decades has cut production of sugar, rice and rubber.
Thailand’s demography is not too appealing to investors either. The country is ageing: its fertility rate is lower than Europe’s. Over a quarter of Thais will be older than 65 by the middle of the century. It took France 160 years for the share of its population aged 65 or above to rise from 7% to 21%; the un estimates Thailand will do the same in just 35 years. The elderly lack retirement savings—national surveys suggest that eight in ten of them rely on income from their children.
Thailand’s low labour costs once persuaded carmakers, steel producers and others that it was a good place to build factories. But competitiveness had been slipping. Against the dollar the Thai baht was one of the best-performing currencies in Asia last year. The coronavirus has reversed those gains, but Thai workers’ wages still seem expensive when compared with those in places like Vietnam. In December Mazda, a Japanese carmaker, shifted production of its suvs to Japan. In February General Motors, an American giant, pulled out of Thailand altogether.
This combination of economic ills would test the wisest lawmakers. Thailand’s elites are distracted by internal strife. There have been two coups since 2006. Almost five years of military rule damaged Thailand’s international standing and prevented it from negotiating free-trade agreements with Western countries, argues one Bangkok economist. The government prefers flashy but ineffective schemes like “Thailand 4.0” which includes the Eastern Economic Corridor (eec), a special economic zone.
There are some small spots of good news as Thailand tackles covid-19. Its universal health-care system means citizens will have greater access to help when ill than many others in developing countries. And the government’s existing welfare scheme means it is ready to funnel money to people through the crisis. Building new infrastructure, such as a new railway and airport planned near Bangkok, would bolster its competitiveness in the long term. But the grim truth is that Thailand’s maladies will outlast the pandemic.
Offsite Linkby Anonymous | reply 110 | May 17, 2020 4:08 PM
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*Its
[iPhone autocorrect - why I’m getting a Galaxy]
by Anonymous | reply 111 | May 17, 2020 4:13 PM
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It did not seem very developed when I visited a few years ago. It was rather dirty.
by Anonymous | reply 112 | May 17, 2020 4:18 PM
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Thailand’s economy has been slowing down a bit a year prior to the virus. This is generally due to low national debt and high valuation of the bhat.
Education system is less than desirable but better than immediate neighbors.
So when compared to the United States and half of its citizens doesn’t know what country is to the north of the U.S. or decided that 100,000 dead from the coronavirus is OK, or listens to a President suggesting Clorox with a little lime is good for you or .....
You get the picture. It all depends on what you place a value on. That’s more likely than anything going to determine where you want to live or what is acceptable for living.
by Anonymous | reply 115 | May 25, 2020 5:14 PM
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All I know is that Thailand is home to one of the cutest guy I have ever seen, Singto Prachaya!
by Anonymous | reply 116 | May 27, 2020 2:05 AM
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I haven't read through this thread, but I'm sure I'm not the only one shocked the Thai partner is also 50.
by Anonymous | reply 117 | May 27, 2020 2:10 AM
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